John Russell

John M. Russell

Light surrounds and reflects off a photographed subject to create a vision and essence of that subject for others to experience. This is also true of my wood-turnings. I inlay my vessels with minerals, like opals, turquoise, and pewter. The mineral is chosen for its size and then meticulously placed into the natural grooves and crevices of the wood in mosaic-like fashion. The pewter is melted onto the wood’s surface adding the coolness of the metal with the warmth of the wood. My role is to help express its personality in the vessels’ final shape. The addition of an inlay, a lid, or other woods as adornments, are expressions of that personality. By combining the natural elements of the wood with another natural element, mineral, the harmony is maintained. I extend the process using similar elements in my writing instruments using material like wood, feathers, snakeskin, and cigar bands.